may have tipped the balance, so that a 2009 filled with litigation and banning on colleges didn’t seem too appealing. Although Matt Ivester says this is not the case, a few writers think it may be more than economics.

The social tabloid grew to more than 500 campuses in the year and half since its launch. But the website is closing up shop, citing a lack of sufficient ad revenue and outside funding.

JuicyCampus’ message boards were a hotbed for such crucial college discussions as who is the most promiscuous sorority girl or the hottest waitress at the downtown sports bar, and how to deal with overbearing parents.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the site’s advertising issues stemmed from the fact that it often featured incredibly hateful and mean-spirited content that advertisers were hesitant to be associated with. … In light of the overwhelmingly negative comments found on the site, some schools began banning JuicyCampus entirely…

Ivester may also be growing increasingly worried about the litigation threats the site receives for defamation and libel. Ivester has claimed legal protection, citing the fact that he didn’t author any of the defamatory posts, but he may not be too eager to put those claims to test in court.

Gwendolyn Dungy, executive director of NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, said the site presented real challenges for college officials. Administrators were torn between a desire to protect students from cyber bullying, and concerns about censoring free speech, Dungy said.

The National Coalition Against Censorship is dedicated to protecting rights and principles guaranteed by the First Amendment. We report on incidents of censorship and provide support and resources to people facing challenges to freedom of inquiry and expression.